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This occurs because most pulse oxymetry machines measure oxygen saturation by shining a red light at specific wavelengths at the skin and then measure the reflection of the red light. When carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin it makes it more red than it is normally, so it reads as though it is saturated with oxygen when in reality it isn't.

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Is carbon monoxide less harmfull then carbon dioxide?

Carbon monoxide is more harmful than carbon dioxide because it is a poison that can bind to hemoglobin in our blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is a natural byproduct of respiration and is not toxic in normal atmospheric concentrations.


What is the normal concentration of carbon monoxide in inert gas?

0.01% of carbon monoxide is present on inert gas


Does carbon monoxide compete with oxygen for the same binding site?

Yes. Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin. This prevents the normal combination of oxygen with haemoglobin, thus depriving cells all round the body of the oxygen they need.


Why is oxygen saturation normal in carbon monoxide poisoning?

In carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen saturation may appear normal because carbon monoxide binds more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen, preventing oxygen from binding effectively. This can lead to tissue hypoxia despite normal oxygen saturation levels.


Why is pulse oximetry normal in carbon monoxide poisoning?

In carbon monoxide poisoning, pulse oximetry may show normal oxygen levels because it cannot distinguish between oxygen and carbon monoxide in the blood. This can lead to a false sense of security, as the body may still be lacking oxygen despite the normal readings.


What is HBO2 and HBCO2?

HBO2, or hyperbaric oxygen, refers to the use of oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressures, typically administered in a hyperbaric chamber to treat various medical conditions, such as decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. HBCO2, or carboxyhemoglobin, is a compound formed when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, impairing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Elevated levels of HBCO2 can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, necessitating treatment with HBO2 to displace the carbon monoxide from hemoglobin and restore normal oxygen transport.


How do you get carbon monoxide out of lungs?

Carbon monoxide is expelled from the body through normal breathing. By inhaling fresh air, the carbon monoxide in the lungs will gradually be replaced by oxygen from the air, allowing the body to recover from exposure to carbon monoxide. In severe cases, medical intervention may be needed to administer oxygen therapy.


What is the acceptable levels for carbon monoxide in a normal home?

The acceptable levels of carbon monoxide in a normal home are typically below 9 parts per million (ppm) in the air over an 8-hour period or below 35 ppm over a 1-hour period. It is important to have a working carbon monoxide detector to monitor levels and ensure safety.


What are the problems with carbon monoxide produced by incomplete combustion?

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. It combines with hemoglobin in the red blood cells, and makes it incapable of doing its normal function of transporting oxygen. If enough hemoglobin is incapacitated in this way, a person can die of anoxia. Even if there is not enough carbon monoxide to cause death, it can still impair your normal metabolism by reducing your oxygen supply.


What is normal carboxyhemoglobin level?

Normal carboxyhemoglobin levels in healthy individuals are typically less than 1% in non-smokers and can be slightly higher (up to about 5-10%) in smokers due to exposure to tobacco smoke. Levels above these thresholds may indicate carbon monoxide exposure or poisoning. It is important to monitor carboxyhemoglobin levels in cases of suspected carbon monoxide exposure for appropriate medical intervention.


Can carbon monoxide explode under certain conditions?

No, carbon monoxide itself does not explode under normal conditions. However, it can be highly flammable and can contribute to explosions if it comes into contact with a spark or flame in the presence of oxygen.


What is the state of matter of CO?

1. CO (carbon monoxide) is gas. 2. Co (cobalt) is a solid metal.